From the Readers

What's the buzz

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-27 07:56

China's Twitter-like weibo has created a platform for Chinese people to voice their concerns and a series of scandals have come to light via the social networking service. A billionaire announced his plan to leave his wife and elope with his mistress; a government official chatted with his mistress about when and how they would meet in a hotel room; and a charity worker flaunted her luxurious life. Has the micro blog changed the way you are living or your attitude toward privacy? Share your thoughts with us.

The pressing issues of reality have resulted in an unprecedented low sense of being among many people. The micro blog has provided a platform for people to give vent to this loss with words and pictures that seem to be casually presented, but in fact deliberately show off how great their life is and how they take it for granted.

Ningmengshu, Shanghai

I like micro blogs because they provide a platform for the grassroots to present themselves to the world. Many grass-root elites with abundant knowledge, distinctive insight, full responsibility, global vision and an ironic but humorous style of writing have called for changes in society. Even though there are few paying attention to them or giving them applause and the spark of their wisdom and courage seems to fall into oblivion in an instant, they will never regret.

Fengyu, Qingdao, Shandong province

I will always hold a habitual attitude of skepticism toward sensational news exposed on a micro blog since there is no strict supervision of these online opinions, but such news has often proven true. Therefore, though sometimes it might involve a violation of privacy, micro blogs have played a very good role in supervising society.

Liu Zhuyang, Xi'an, Shaanxi province

My micro blog has become an indispensable part of my life. I can read the latest news, interact with my favorite stars and write down the happy or moody feelings at any time as well as receive blessings and encouragement from friends or even strangers. At present, people are using it to do some good deeds such as rescuing abducted children. As a product of a new era, I think it is a weathervane of the current trends in society.

Liunianzhanzhuan, Yantai, Shandong province

Micro-blogging is indeed a means of communication for people today, but personally I think it is more a way for people to show off their lives and they lack words worth thinking about. It is better to record one's everyday life in a notebook as a memory for oneself. In a society with developed technology, most people have forgotten the most essential things. Perhaps the fragrance of paper and ink would be better than the instantaneousness of a micro blog in polishing a wonderful life.

Bazhuayu, Shanghai

As society enters a 140-word micro-blogging age, the micro blog has become the epitome of our times. The public is using it to peep into the world of celebrities that they are curious about, only to find their lives are not really that different from their own lives. The grassroots use the micro blog as a means to show the inspiration they get from life and their attitude toward life, something you may feel familiar with and once possessed. I like micro blogs for their warmth and naturalness and getting to know those previously unknown colorful lives and social perspectives. I believe in the strength my micro blog has brought me, but I would insist on an open heart instead of privacy because something private should be savored by oneself.

Zhang Xiaoxiong, Fuzhou, Fujian province

(China Daily 06/27/2011 page9)